Thursday, March 16 2006 19:56 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: In a bid to promote India-China trade links and develop infrastructure along the border, Government is proposing to build a 608-km road covering five states.

The road link will include areas from Jammu and Kashimir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Sikkim and Arunchal Pradesh, informed sources said today (Mar 16 2006).

The road, which is expected to cost about Rs 900 crore, will be guarded by Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) along with the Army.

"With the trade mart at Sherathang for trade through Nathula (in Sikkim) becoming operational, India-China border trade is expected to start this year," they said.

India's border with China is characterised by high-altitude terrains and thin habitation which have resulted in inadequate development of infrastructure in these regions.

"In addition to upgradation of road infrastructure by Defence Ministry, Home Ministry has prepared a proposal to construct a road link totalling 608 kms along the India-China border," the sources said.

The decision to resume trade between India and China through Nathula was taken in 2003.